Water cycle

• The water cycle, also known as the hydrological cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the surface of the Earth.

• It is a closed system, meaning that the amount of water on Earth remains relatively constant, although its distribution and form (liquid, solid, gas) vary.

Components of the Water Cycle:

1. Evaporation: The process by which water changes from a liquid to a gas (water vapor). Solar energy drives evaporation from bodies of water (oceans, lakes, rivers) and moist surfaces (soil, vegetation).

2. Transpiration: The process by which water is carried through plants from roots to small pores on leaves, where it evaporates into the atmosphere. This is essentially evaporation of water from plant leaves.

3. Sublimation: The process by which a solid (such as snow or ice) changes directly into a gas without first becoming a liquid. It is common in high-altitude and cold environments.

4. Condensation: The process by which water vapor in the air changes into liquid water. It usually occurs when warm, moist air cools, often forming clouds. Condensation can also result in dew or frost.

5. Precipitation: Any form of water that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface. This includes rain, snow, sleet, and hail. Precipitation occurs when water droplets or ice crystals in clouds become too heavy to stay suspended in the air.

6. Runoff: The flow of water that occurs when excess stormwater, meltwater, or other sources flow over the Earth's surface. Runoff can end up in streams, rivers, lakes, and eventually the ocean.

7. Infiltration: The process by which water on the ground surface enters the soil. Infiltration is influenced by factors such as soil type, soil saturation, and vegetation cover. Water that infiltrates the soil can replenish groundwater aquifers.

8. Groundwater: Water that is present beneath the Earth's surface in soil pore spaces and in the fractures of rock formations. Groundwater is an important source of freshwater and can flow slowly through aquifers, eventually returning to surface water bodies or being extracted for human use.